Does a piercing hurt? How to manage the pain
Pain is subjective
The pain threshold varies by person and spot. The procedure is very quick; most people describe the moment the needle passes as a few seconds.
Spot by spot
- Lobe: low
- Helix, forward helix: low to medium
- Tragus, conch, daith, rook: medium
- Nose and septum: medium (your eyes may water)
- Navel: medium
Things that reduce pain
- Coming fed and rested
- Breathing deeply
- Choosing an experienced piercer
- A calm studio environment
Painkillers and creams
Consult the studio before using painkillers or numbing cream on your own. Some medicines can increase bleeding. Numbing creams can affect the tissue.
After the procedure
Mild soreness and tenderness may last a few days. A cold compress and avoiding pressure help; ask your piercer about your own care.
Pain varies from person to person
How pain is felt varies by person, spot and mood on the day. Most people describe the procedure as a brief pinch or pressure. Pressure is more noticeable in cartilage and lighter in the lobe.
To reduce pain
Come rested and having eaten; breathing deeply and relaxing help. Cut down on alcohol and caffeine before the procedure. If you want to use a painkiller, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Pain after the procedure
Throbbing and tenderness are normal in the first days. Applying cold usually brings relief; ice should not touch the skin directly but be wrapped in a clean cloth. If pain increases or there is severe swelling, see a specialist.
What is pain and why does it vary from person to person?
The pain threshold varies from person to person. Stress, sleep, coming on an empty stomach and expectations can increase how pain is felt. What you feel during the procedure is usually a sharp pressure or pinch that lasts seconds. The real discomfort is the swelling and tenderness after the procedure.
General expectations by spot
The earlobe is one of the least painful spots. In cartilage spots (helix, conch, tragus) the feeling of pressure is more noticeable. Your eyes may water with nose and septum piercings; the navel usually causes a moderate sting. This gives a general idea; personal experience varies.
Tips for reducing pain
Sleep well, eat and drink water before the procedure. Slow your breathing and try to relax. Tell your piercer you are nervous; having the process explained is reassuring. After the procedure you can soothe the area with a cold compress (wrapped in a cloth, not ice directly). If you need a painkiller, follow your doctor's or pharmacist's advice.
If the pain doesn't go away
Tenderness in the first days is normal. However, if there is severe and increasing pain, throbbing, warmth and redness, infection is possible; see your piercer or a doctor. Do not use creams or numbing sprays on your own to manage pain; they can cause irritation and allergies.
Mental preparation on the day
Coming in fearful makes the pain feel worse. Asking your piercer about the steps and choosing your jewellery in advance puts your mind at ease. You can bring someone you trust. Breathing exercises help you relax during the procedure. The pain is brief; the healing period is a matter of patience and aftercare.
The first hours after
Mild throbbing can be expected in the first hours after the procedure. Drink water, eat something light to keep your blood sugar up and rest. If the throbbing increases, remove anything pressing on the area. Tenderness decreases within a few days; swelling should go down along with it.
Common mistakes
- Drinking alcohol for courage
- Using numbing cream
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your piercer or doctor about your personal situation.
Official and reliable sources
Not sure? For a short free consultation at the studio book an appointment or browse our jewellery.
FAQ
What should I do to reduce pain?
Come fed and rested, and breathe deeply.
Which hurts more, cartilage or lobe?
Cartilage spots create more noticeable pressure than the lobe.
How long does pain last after the procedure?
There may be tenderness for a few days.
This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.